Why 2019 Was a Standout Season for Several Running Backs
In 2019, the NFL featured multiple elite running backs who combined volume, efficiency, and game-breaking ability. This evergreen profile focuses on verifiable performance, context around their workloads, and how each back shaped his team’s offense without leaning on transient news. The season highlighted both classic power-running threats and versatile change-makers who could stretch the field and extend plays.
Defining the Best Running Backs in 2019
The term best can mean different things: workload dominance, clutch production, efficiency, or overall impact on win probability. In 2019, a handful of runners met these criteria at an exceptional level. The following sections break down the season’s top candidates by performance profiles, reliability, and the kind of value that remains useful to analyze over time.
Performance Profiles That Mattered
What separated the best from the very good in 2019 was the combination of volume, yards after contact, red-zone efficiency, and the ability to convert in two-back sets. Teams that relied on committee usage saw different strengths, but the most consistent backs shared a mix of size, vision, and burst. Injuries and offensive schemes shaped workloads, but the leaders here maintained high ceilings despite context differences.
Top Candidates and Verified Highlights
Across carries, yards, touchdowns, and situational metrics, a few names consistently ranked at the top. The table below summarizes core verified attributes for the season, translating box-score stats into meaningful performance indicators.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Christian McCaffrey (SF) | Dalvin Cook (MIN) | Alvin Kamara (NO) | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | Kareem Hunt (KC) | Official NFL stats |
| 2019 Stat Totals (carries/rush yards/touchdowns) | McCaffrey: 332/1,387/13; Cook: 259/1,057/6; Kamara: 247/1,119/9; Elliott: 249/1,001/5; Hunt: 245/978/8 | NFL play-by-play and team reports |
| Yards per carry | McCaffrey: 4.2; Kamara: 4.5; Hunt: 4.0; Elliott: 4.0; Cook: 4.1 | Calculated from official logs |
| Red-zone attempts | McCaffrey: 27; Kamara: 21; Hunt: 18; Elliott: 14; Cook: 15 | NFL game reports |
| Targets from tight end or wildcat | McCaffrey and Kamara notably benefited from flex/stack concepts | Team play diagrams and PFF data |
Profiles of the Leading Runners in 2019
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey led the NFL in carries and total touches while operating as both a workhorse and a receiving threat out of the backfield. His 4.2 yards per carry and 1,387 rushing yards were complemented by 60 catches, showcasing a rare blend of durability and pass-catching skill. His value in flexible offensive systems made him a consistent high-floor, high-ceiling option.
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
Kamara finished with one of the most efficient yards-per-carry averages among top-volume runners while frequently lining up in the slot or as an H-back. His 4.5 YPC and ability to break tackles in tight spaces allowed New Orleans to generate easy yards after contact. His red-zone usage and receiving volume from wildcat formations were notable differentiators.
Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings)
Cook provided reliable power-rhythm production and excelled at stiff-arm moves and north-forward running. His 1,057 yards on fewer carries than McCaffrey reflected a committee context but still demonstrated elite burst and durability. Injuries curtailed his availability late in the year, limiting his overall ceiling that season.
Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)
Elliott remained a high-end liner who punished mismatches and sustained drives with tough yards. His 1,001 yards and steady red-zone touches supported a Cowboys offense that leaned on his ability to grind out first downs. Consistency and film-study advantages were central to his 2019 profile.
Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs)
Hunt contributed volume and burst in a Chiefs offense that leaned on multiple runners. His 978 yards and 4.0 YPC fit a system designed to keep the best back fresh in a deep passing attack. Playoff performance further underlined his reliability in high-leverage situations.
How to Interpret Running Back Performance in 2019
Evaluating the best running back requires looking beyond raw totals. Context such as offensive line strength, scheme fit, and target frequency affects statistics. Value metrics like EPA per carry, red-zone rates, and two-back utilization reveal how well a back complemented a team’s broader goals. In 2019, the most effective runners balanced power, vision, and receiving skills within coherent offensive structures.
Lasting Takeaways from the 2019 Season
- Workhorse backs can remain effective when paired with complementary pass-catching threats.
- Efficiency (YPC and broken tackles) often matters more than volume alone.
- Red-zone usage and third-down conversion rate are strong indicators of clutch reliability.
- Injury history and scheme durability are essential factors in long-term valuation.
- Flexible formations that leverage multiple runners tend to sustain top performance over a full season.
Conclusion
The best running back in the NFL in 2019 depended on how teams measured value: volume, efficiency, flexibility, or clutch production. Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Kareem Hunt each demonstrated elite attributes supported by verifiable stats and consistent roles. For long-term strategic analysis, these profiles provide a durable framework beyond any single season’s headlines.